Air Traffic Management gets boost from continuous conectivity

The technology was developed as part of the EU-funded Networking the Sky (NEWSKY) project to manage the huge growth in air traffic, which is forecast to double by 2025 according to the latest Eurocontrol figures. At the conclusion of the NEWSKY project, TriaGnoSys demonstrated its communications suite using a simulated flight from Europe to the US. Throughout the flight, either a terrestrial or a satellite link was automatically selected, depending on operational preferences and the availability of links, resulting in a seamless handover between the networks ensuring session continuity. Markus Werner, Managing Director of TriaGnoSys, said, There are two key benefits to this system. The first is that aircraft can now remain in constant contact with air traffic management. The second is that it provides both airlines and air traffic managers with the flexibility to use the most appropriate communications link, based on a number of factors, including availability, cost and convenience. TriaGnoSys ATM communications suite provides both voice and data communications, as well as weather map downloads. A central feature of the suite is the use of IPv6, combined with TriaGnoSys VoCeM compression and optimisation technology. Werner continued, The next generation of ATM technology will be in use for at least two decades. For our technology to be future-proofed, IPv6 had to be central to our thinking. We also needed to ensure we developed a very robust system, but one that would not be unnecessarily expensive to operate. VoCeM provides the most efficient use of satellite bandwidth available, bringing satellite usage costs into line with terrestrial radio links. The work carried out under NEWSKY forms the basis for new EU research, Seamless Aeronautical Networking through integration of Data links, Radios, and Antennas (SANDRA). SANDRA will develop a communications system to support increased route efficiencies by improving ATM, integrated with passenger Internet connectivity and enhanced cabin communications. The core elements of the SANDRA test-bed software will be used in flight trials, planned for 2013. Within the new project, TriaGnoSys has overall responsibility for the test-bed integration and validation, software development, including software architecture definition, quality assurance, procurement of test-bed hardware, and performing laboratory trials.